Officials support bill to streamline stream cleaning process in Wayne

WAYNE – Attempts to curb what's considered nuisance flooding are now moving forward as Assembly Bill A-4313 received its first co-sponsor signing.

The concept was initially suggested by Pompton Lakes Office of Emergency Management Coordinator Al Evangelista. The bill, introduced by Assemblyman Scott Rumana (R-Wayne) back in June, calls for an office to oversee daily river maintenance in areas throughout New Jersey prone to flooding.

It was Assemblyman Jack Ciattarelli (R-Somerset), who co-sponsored the bill in November.

The bill gathered more attention after recent de-snagging of the rivers brought out such items as large tires, branches, and trees proving case in point that an office such as the one supported by this bill would be worthwhile.

"While it may not solve the flooding problem, it will hopefully cut down on minor flooding events in the Passaic River Basin," said Rumana. "Nuisance flooding does not cause destruction or lead to lose of life. This is the type of flooding this bill will address."

Although nothing concrete has been set up. Ideas being tossed around include the office being set up as regional based teams and run similar to the road and maintenance division of the Department of Transportation. Crews would be sent out to clean and de-snag rivers around the state.

"This will maximize efficiency of keeping the rivers clean allowing them to flow more freely and not cause them to be prone to spilling over their banks causing minor flooding issues," Rumana said.

And from an environmental standpoint, the rivers will then offer more of a healthier aquatic atmosphere.

The idea has been in the works for about a year and a half now. Three major rivers flow through Wayne Township including the Pompton, Passaic, and Ramapo. Brooks as well are expected to be included in the bill.

"We recognize the added expense to the state but what is more costly doing nothing and having floods causing damage and threats to security or maintenance prevention to help keep high costs down related to flooding," Rumana said.

He added, "The kind of flooding that would put a foot of water in houses located in low lying areas leaving behind damaged furniture that you would see on the curb causing a massive expense; if you can take that away via daily maintenance clean up, it would cost less in the long run."

Up to now any river de-snagging and de-silting has been afforded by government grants. The Pompton River will see another round of maintenance in its southern portion in an effort to offer relief to residents living in the Passaic River basin, where the body of water drains into.

Last January, de-snagging along the Pompton River near Black Oak Ridge Road resulted in truck loads of full sized trees complete with roots that washed downstream were hauled away.